Affirm Holy Spirit enables sanctification and entire sanctification
The Salvation Army affirms the work of the Holy Spirit as essential to salvation and spiritual transformation. Following Holiness Movement theology within the Wesleyan tradition, the Salvation Army teaches that the Holy Spirit's work proceeds in stages: first, initial sanctification at conversion; second, progressive sanctification in the Christian life; and third, entire sanctification—a crisis experience of complete consecration where the believer is entirely set apart for God's purposes.
The Holy Spirit is understood as the third person of the Trinity, actively working to transform believers into the likeness of Christ. The Handbook of Doctrine emphasizes the Holy Spirit's role in conviction, regeneration, guidance, and empowerment for ministry. All effective Christian service in the Salvation Army is understood as dependent on the filling and leading of the Holy Spirit.
Key Distinctions
- Personhood:
- third divine person, coequal with Father and Son
- Spiritual gifts view:
- open but cautious — gifts may continue; tongues not mandated as evidence
- Spirit baptism:
- occurs at conversion; subsequent experiences of filling are possible
Scripture References
Sources
- Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine
- The Salvation Army Handbook
- Holiness Movement theology